June Newsletter 2005

The Talking Leaves of
The Sacred Trees

Once again, we repeat our journey through the season of spring, trekking through the forest to see, hear and smell the sweetness of the birthing of new life. To observe and perceive nature’s new creations, open yourself to the power of the medicinal and spiritual healing qualities, given freely by every tree, bush or green thing from the perspective powers of the four elements: Earth, air, water and fire.

“All trees guide you to the pathway of a good heart. The sap which courses through them, carry the memory and experiences of my people.”
Chief Seattle.

Think of the trees life force and how it survives, yet they consistently give to us the breath power to live. Sometimes, trees are forced to live under dire circumstances. Have you ever thought about the effect of a drought on all trees? What about the harsh winds tearing at its branches, ripping the roots of many from the ground, rendering it powerless?
I have often wondered if fear limits freedom within every life force on Mother Earth?

An experience took place in India pertaining to the emotions on two plants. They placed each plant in separate rooms, giving each equal water and food. First man; filled with hate entered the room, turning on loud chaotic music. His angered voice yelled threatening remarks while his actions created violence near the plant.

Second man; entered the room, filled with low classical music and spoke in a soft voice. He gently touched the plant with love in his heart and actions. After one month, the researchers found the growth pattern with First Man was very little. The colors of the leaves were light green and fell quickly from the thinned stems. The plant registered fear and depression on their machine. Second Man; entered his appointed room, the plants leaves were a deep healthy green and had tripled in size and registered peace and harmony on the machine.

If a trees health and growth can feel the emotions of another and will produce according to its environment, then what is the human race producing within the pattern of their children? For a moment consider the sexual, verbal and physical abuse in a family. Our prisons are filled with humans that come from violent backgrounds. Can fear, violence and hate be conquered? Can this destructive energy be re-directed to the betterment of all life?

Why not reach out to the unblemished beauty life can provide to all life forces. We are born from a seed of love. We humans have the capability to regenerate an inner power that embraces a kindness to live our life in beauty. The next time you see a downed tree, stop and examine its body. Somewhere on its body you may find a green patch of growth still fighting for life. To me, a tree speaks of hope and sharing. Why not look closely at a tree and recognize them as great teachers of service.

Wakan Tanka has provided each life force on the earth with the gift of instinctual intellect. Become worthy of this gift and develop your natural wisdom, by following natures natural laws. Use the gift of breath to deepen your understanding of life. Develop your skills of observation and focus to enhance your inner world.

To comprehend the unique language of all trees, find your inner magic. The masculine gender of a tree is recognized through the sharp pointed leaves defining the principles that will inspire you to love and respect nature. A relaxed open tree defines the feminine principles, teaching us receptivity, nurturing and gentleness. As humankind, we need both powers to walk in balance.


What is above is below and, what is below is above.

When your instincts feel a disturbance in either world, know something is out of balance. Seek your answer through observation. Trust your feelings, natures sounds are common to your eyes and ears. A sudden stilled silence is another way to know something has changed in your surroundings. STOP for a moment and FEEL the subtle change. Can be a warning? Observe the impact of any sudden changes, immediately seek the answers, to qualify your next survival move. We as humankind must become more observant of our surroundings. Learn to recognize how to speak to all things without the use of words. Look for the obvious, feel the presence of an unknown entity. There are many signs given to you when you become aware of natures natural motion and symbols. Our instinct demands we acknowledge any mark left in our surroundings. We need to recognize the footsteps that are walking the same trail as you.

When I was very young, I knew every tree held a gift of sacred medicine, each well aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. A cottonwood tree speaks in stillness as we sit under its branches in silent prayer, waiting for dawn to approach. We should consider taking in slow, yet deep breaths of fresh air to receive a calmness flow through us as we breathe our conscious mind into focus, reflecting upon the intelligence and the mortal purpose that surrounds all life differently in its on way.
As we continue to sit in this morning stillness, reflecting upon the tree tribes, be thankful for the clean air. Shall we honor the trees for this to continue our life force? When breathing in slow deep breaths, can we attain a stillness to create a depth of understanding as we find the purpose of our life?

Did you know the life span of a cottonwood tree is approximately eighty years, growing twice its height the first year of its life?
Long ago, the farmers used the Cottonwood trees for windbreaks along their property; this tree also grows near creeks, irrigation ditches and along the river banks. The roots of an adult cottonwood tree grows deep into the ground holding three to five gallons of water, sometimes becoming vulnerable to lightning.

Their glossy green leaves turn upward when the rain is coming to refresh themselves and enrich the soil for further growth. It also depends upon the winds to scatter their white-brownish, cotton-like fluff seeds, which are sometimes referred to as (the fallen fluff from the stars.) When the winds come, they help detach the seedlings from the branches, floating for miles downstream to find dampened soil to expand their territory. They depend on the heat of the sun to help each struggling seed break through the darkness of the soil to find the warmth and into birth future trees.

Many times, I have picked up broken branches from my cottonwood trees, placed them in large buckets of water for root stimulation, eventually planting them and sit back to watch the magic as they grew to massive trees, standing tall and healthy in my backyard. When the winds play with the branches, you can hear their whispering voice invite you to sit in their shade and surrender your problems to their care. They willingly absorb your negativity and release your pain. The cottonwood tree carries the note of “C” on the piano. This vibration will bring you in tune with your own positive energy. This sacred tree helps you connect to your physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. If you keep a piece of the cottonwood tree near you, it will help enhance your intuitive abilities and open your centers of awareness.

The Native American, highly honor cottonwood tree, the Tree of Life. They say if you slash it water gushes forth from its body, just as blood flows from a deep cut in a human body. The old people say, this special water was healing. This is why we take great care when cutting a tree. We choose the tree for Sundance one year before it is cut. This is an extensive ceremony and demands many wise people to carry it properly to the Sundance ceremony. Before we sat it into place, the people come forward, placing their piercing ropes, tobacco ties, flags and offerings in the tree with prayer, before they stand it up in its pre-prepared hole in the middle of the up-coming Sundance circle. Once lifted into place the winds come. This glorious moment brings tears to you eyes as you see her standing in the center for our Sun Dance ceremony.

This tree is a symbol of truth and those who stand before it are bound to always tell the truth. It is said to tell a lie under a cottonwood tree will cause illness to the liar.

“ The Hidatsa Sioux say the cottonwood gives intelligence and will counsel a troubled person who sits in its shade. It is also said, when holding council under a cottonwood tree it will give insight and truth to those who gather under its branches.
Seasonal changes are important for the transitions of the People. The Tree of Life helps the people to stay connected to earth, sky and Creator. The fluff of the new growth on a cottonwood tree represents the white downy feathers of an eagle. A sun dancer hangs a small downy eagle feather from their eagle bone whistle when dancing to honor and recognize the power of the Cottonwood tree and the and the Golden Eagle.

A cottonwood leaf is heart-shaped and represents the true heart of the People. It is the cottonwood leaf that makes the perfect pattern to build a tipi.

In the winter months, when food was scarce, the people stripped the bark from the trees to feed the animals, saving some a few pieces from the inner bark to make into syrup for gastric problems.
The yellow tips of the cottonwood buds are used to make a yellow dye for paints.

To please the children, give them a small “cotton-like ball” from the cottonwood tree. It is sweet and can be used as chewing gum. To calm the children, teach them to blow a special way on a cottonwood leaf to make musical sounds similar to a flute.

When we use a piece of Evergreen as an offering it will protect ceremonies; your homes and family against all harm. If you place a bundle of Evergreen over the entrance to your home, it will correct the energies of the person as they enter your premises.

The willow tree helps restore your memories and will unlock the secrets from past lives. AND SO THEY SAY, THEREFORE IT IS.

Black Elk, a Lakota holy man, had a vision in which he was handed a red stick with green leaves sprouting new growth. He took the stick and threw it into the center of the earth and the stick became a cottonwood tree. In his vision he was told that in time, the tree would bloom.

He saw his people walking in a sacred manner and once again, honoring Mother Earth, as they stood proud and strong around this sacred tree. Suddenly he saw his people breaking the inner circle, going to wars and fighting amongst themselves. The sacred tree withered as the people grew sick while many died. In time a red man appeared and was transformed into a buffalo, showing that in time abundance would come again to the People. Sacred herbs from around the world became flowers with blossoms of four colors, making a powerful flowering tree. Around this tree, Black Elk saw his people joined together as one people with all nations creating a sacred hoop with no beginning and no end.

Sadly, Black Elk saw only a part of his vision come true during his lifetime. The cottonwood tree never bloomed as promised. Until his death, Black Elk continued to have faith with his vision. The Tree of Life would bloom again, and all the people on Mother Earth would stand together as a single tribe within the sacred hoop of life with the blooming Cottonwood Tree standing at its center.

Aaah, the trees were proud to be selected for such an important job and swore to keep Mother Earth, Maka Ina, as a beautiful spirit. And, so, many new creatures began to arise from her frothy waters. At first, the Plants and Trees were excited and took their job seriously, as they waited the arrival of the new and exciting children to be born, who were to be named the Human. The trees limbs were quickly filled with winged creatures of many different shapes and sizes. The small animals came next, burrowing their homes inside and beneath the trees, while waiting for the birthing of these new creatures.

Suddenly things changed and the birthing of these new life creatures were delayed.

Eons of time passed, the trees and plants became boredwith this waiting. A council meeting was held, and many agreed they should take a rest from their duties until the long awaited human would arrive.

The Evergreens frowned upon this decision and voted against the sleepy trees. The Evergreens knew the trees were breaking their promise to Creatress/Creator and again warned everyone of there purpose of birth and their promise to serve Mother Earth and all of her children.

One Tall tree said, “What difference does it make if we rest for a little while. That does not show disrespect, nor does it mean that we have broken our agreement. The debate became stronger and stronger. Through sheer boredom, many Trees ignored the words and fell into a rested state. Over a period of time, they each, dropped their leaves to the ground, slowly condensing their spirits deep into their roots until such time when the suns warmth would tell them when it was time to awaken.

Creatress/Creator were not pleased. Suddenly the resting trees heard a voice and slowly awakened. Creatress/Creator spoke, declaring all Trees and Plants who had disregarded the agreement, would henceforth lose their power each year when the season turned cold. During that time, they would drop their leaves and stand in the naked truth of shame as a reminder to always honor your word to Great Spirit.

The Evergreens stood tall in honor, knowing they had upheld their duties and were being honored with strong powers which would remain with them all year. They each would possess the powers to heal and protect the children of Maka Ina. And so, to this day, the Evergreens stand in honor of its word, while the rest of the trees sleep, loosing their beauty during the cold months of winter. Even today, the Evergreens are characterized by their ability to maintain its powers and foliage throughout the year.

Evergreens are very unique. They grow new leaves before ever shedding the old ones, thus keeping their beauty, protective abilities and wisdom, while the other trees go through the little death, becoming naked and dormant for all to see. There are several types of evergreens, from the broad-leaved families such as the hollies and the needle-leafed families of the pines, cedars and junipers.

The uses of evergreens are as numerous as their varieties. They provide food, shelter, timber and incense. They live mostly in the North, a place where only the strongest of trees can survive.

Humankind is not the only conscious and intelligent forces on our planet.
Shall we explore the magnificent gifts of the versatile Willow Tree and learn more about her many talents; the physical characteristics, medicinal uses, and the many by-products made exclusively from the Willow Trees?

The family of SALICACEAE or Willow extends too many different species found from temperate wetlands to our desert regions. However, one common factor of all willows is that they live near water. In fact, the genus name Salix originated from the Celtic work sallis, meaning “near water.” The Willow tree drops its leaves in the fall and replaces them every spring. Their leaves are long and narrow with tiny silver hairs on the underside. Their stems and bark are used medicinally as a painkiller and fever reducer.

Willow is the original source of Salicylic acid which is aspirin! The bark extracts are used as a sore throat gargle, relief from heartburn, nervous insomnia and may be added to hot baths to relieve symptoms of rheumatism.

One special species, Salix Babylonica, treats leukemia and restores bone marrow function for patients of chemotherapy. In addition to their talents, the Willow Tree provides the highest quality artists’ char-coal to be found; also the graceful branches are a favorite for many basket weavers. Why not consider collecting a small willow branch and reflect upon its abilities and consider the possibilities of using more flexibility and longevity in your everyday life?

The Willow branches are used to build the Sacred Inipi. Each is woven into a sacred geometric pattern creating a deeper connection to the spiritual aspects of the ceremony. This sacred dome embraces the people in stilled silence as they sit reflecting and offering a humble prayer from an open heart, as each hot stone is brought to the altar. Certain herbs are given to the hot stones as they enter. The door is closed on the first round filling the Inipi with darkness. The life-giving waters are given to the hot stones, creating a steam that surrounds all, filling their lungs with the healing powers of Grandfather’s breath, once again reminding us of our strong connection to Wakan Tanka, Great Spirit. My deepest thanks to the beautiful Willow Tree! May they continue to survive?

There is a Disney movie you may find of interest to rent called, Pocahontas. It will find a special place in your heart with the character, Grandmother Willow. This movie will expose the willow tree as a living spirit, not just another tree in the background of nature. Grandmother Willow will prove to be a very wise and beautiful spirit, willing to share her soothing expressive messages through many exciting revelations.

The Oak is a magnificent tree that has much to teach us about successful living. Oaks are known for their strength and the hardness of their wood.

We all have heard sayings such as “Mighty oaks from acorns grow” and “sturdy as an oak”; many important treaties were signed under a “charter oak”; King Arthur’s Round Table was made from a single slice of an oak tree. Our sturdiest furniture is made from the wood of this fine tree. The Oak Trees are the most widespread and have the largest number of species of all the broad-leafed trees of North America. Identification of individual species, however, is quite complex, as oaks hybridize in ways that puzzle even the experts. The fruit, or acorns, are often the most reliable way of identifying a particular species of Oak.

In some oaks it takes fifty years of growth before it begins to produce acorns. Acorns are an important food source for many birds, including ducks, grouse, quail, turkeys and jays. Mammals such as bears, raccoons and squirrels, have made the acorn a substantial part of their diet, especially in winter. Acorns have been used, as a prime fodder for pigs, and have been used as a staple food for humans in times of famine. The bitter acorns of the Red Oak mature in six months, whereas the sweet acorns of the White Oak require two years to mature, and remain on the trees during the winter.

The White Oak is the most common and widespread member of the Oak family. It is a tall, massive tree towering up to one hundred feet in height. Its bark and acorns are gray. The White Oak lives a life of stead-fastness and strength. It teaches us acceptance and patience. From it we learn not to force change, but to accept and be as one with it. The White Oak’s message is to flow with current opportunities and accept whatever is.

The Red Oak is another of the more common varieties of Oak. It is tall and hardy, often reaching eighty feet and able to flourish in climates where the winter snows are deep and icy winds rage. It grows fast and is resistant to disease and pests. The Red Oak has a stout trunk with few low branches, making it one of the most valuable timber trees. It is a magnificent shade tree and is spectacular in the autumn when its leaves turn a brilliant red. The Red Oak is a resourceful tree that tells us to go with our current space and explore our inner resources more fully.

The Black Oak is another common variety that ranges further south, reaching a height of up to one hundred feet at maturity. Its yellow inner bark furnishes tannin which is used in oak tanning of leather, as well as a yellow dye by the textile industry.

The Coast Live Oak is a common sight in the valleys and coastal slopes of southern California. Its evergreen leaves are small and holly-like with spiny edges. The acorns of the Coast Live Oak were one of the edible varieties preferred by Native Americans.

To the Cherokee, the Oak was ataya, or aya, meaning “principal wood”, and acorns were a staple food. In some areas a year’s supply of up to five hundred pounds per family was gathered and stored for later use in making breads, puddings and soups which were prepared from fresh ground acorns. Oak bark, raw or boiled, was used for healing, especially to stop bleeding and as a treatment for the symptoms of goiter and malaria.

Each variety of Oak has its own particular message for us. The Coast Live Oak tells us to make time and space in our lives to integrate our experiences, while the Chest-nut Oak says to integrate lessons from the past into our present, allowing us to create anew from a strong inner center. The Mossy cup Oak teaches us to integrate our personal resources to provide continuity between the present and the future; the Pin Oak gives us hope and shows us to value our inner resources and the contributions we make to the greater good. The Valley Oak shows us that fulfillment comes from honoring the strength and wisdom inside ourselves, and the Willow Oak tells us to still our thoughts with compassion and center on the purity and peace of the spirit.

In the spiritual realm of the Oak it represents strength, resiliency and longevity.

The Oak has been used to bring luck, fertility, healing and wealth. It is said; the Oak will enable one to recover youth. It is an important protective tree and is associated with the energies of the sun, summer and the south.

To perceive Trees with a sharp pointed leaves; represents masculine principles which will inspire you to love and respect nature, whereas; a relaxed open tree is feminine, teaching us receptivity and gentleness coming from the perspective of the four elements: Earth, air, water and fire.

When I think of the Standing Ones, I remember the wind blowing through the Elm’s branches and would pause to enjoy the glorious feeling. Oh, how its quivering leaves gave me such excitement and pleasure! I found myself longing to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In the beauty of the moment, my troubles just seemed to disappear. It seems the tree demanded my full attention, and in return, taught me the lesson I needed at the time. I will never forget their special friendship; I still share with these wise old trees.


I was taught to examine a tree’s physical properties and its medicinal and spiritual uses, “hear” its message on a symbolic level, and apply its meaning to self. I learned that all trees have different lessons to teach, but we must develop the awareness to receive them. The key is learning all you can about a tree. Take your time to develop a personal relationship with a tree. After all, you wouldn’t spend time with a friend, if that person didn’t take the time to spend with you. Still your mind and pay close attention, you, too, can hear the wisdom whispers of the Standing Ones.

There are many common aspects between the Ash and Elm. Both are fast growing and are a plentiful source of lumber. One common valuable characteristic of the Elm and Ash is there durability under water. Both adapt well to different environments and both have medicinal and spiritual applications that we can use in our daily lives. For example, the Manna ash is used as a gentle laxative for children and the elderly. The European Mountain Ash has numerous uses from skin rash relief to sore throat gargles. The Japanese Prickly Ash’s berries are used as a spicy flavoring for many foods that helps to remove parasites from the body. The Ash is used to soothe inflamed skin. Sit in the shade of one and share its calm and soothing vibration.

Various parts of the Elm are also used in medicinal recipes. The leaves of the English Elm are used to treat hemorrhoids and in making a tonic to soothe red, inflamed skin. This remarkable tree is also used as a Bach Flower treatment. The bark of the Slippery Elm is used by Native Americans in the treatment of brain tumors. The Elm’s usefulness in the treatment of brain tumors indicates that I can go to the Elm for help in eliminating painful memories locked inside my mind.

Seeking the spiritual medicine is an involved process, but the rewards are worth the effort for those who persevere. The Elm can be used to treat hemorrhoids. I can easily deduce; this tree is not one to tolerate a pain in the ass type of people.

The Life and Death of a Druid Prince by Anne Ross and Don Robins is a fascinating account of how an archaeological “find” in England 15 years ago started a quest that ended in revealing the secrets of a lost civilization. The distinct probability is that the well preserved torso of a man found in a peat bog near Manchester, England could have been a priest/nobleman who deliberately sacrificed himself in A.D. 60 at the time of the Roman Conquest. The Romans had apparently heard about the amassed wealth of the Druids. The description of the Lindow Man’s death (or Lovernois), is nothing short of spellbinding.

His death takes place in moonlight, and his body may have been born in a chariot pulled by white horses to the water for his final resting place. “The question remains, why were the Druids persecuted so implacably by the Romans?...” This question could be answered by reviewing The Druid Way.

Phillip Carr-Gomm, the author is Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. He lives in England, and lectures widely on Druidry. By the way, did you know that early names for Britain were Merlin’s Enclosure, and “white” or “blessed earth?” The Druid Way is a story of a journey of rediscovery that the author made to unite knowledge and experience of nature, and how that knowledge became valuable, meaningful, and relevant. The journey begins with a gateway formed by a beech and yew tree. The Druids understand gateways (Stonehenge), the transition place between outer and inner, death and birth. The yew is the tree of death and rebirth, a sacred tree of the Druids.

On mainline Britain, the oak tree was the central tree of Druidry; but in Ireland, it was the Yew (the tree of eternal life) and the beech, symbolizing tradition, learning, wisdom, and ancient knowledge. The author has interesting notations on the matter of earth...seasonal renewal, the goddess hidden in the underworld only to reappear in the spring, death in order for rebirth. He also talks about “exploring the feminine within the landscape itself,” and how we are about to reap the consequences of the desecration of the land with the years of desecration of our own bodies and souls. Our task, therefore, is to “re’sacralize” place (the land around us), this having less to do with altering the physical substance of the world around us than it does with altering out perception of it and our relationship to it.

Towards the end of the book he describes the Druid Rights of Passage, Embolic (birthing and naming), Bealteinne (loving and mating), Lughunasadh (marrying and meeting) and Samhain (parting and dying).

It was early Thursday morning around Easter, when I was out playing with my friend Marsha and saw a movement in the rose garden. I ran over to see what was going on and was shocked when I found a baby bunny had taken over my domain. The audacity! Mouth watering, I dreamed of this delicious lunch and went in for the kill.

The Mommie saw what was happening and quickly approached me with loud demands, almost destroying my hearing. Suddenly this bunny took off running zigzagging across the backyard. My two friends, Marsha and Ann, joined in the bunny race. At that moment, I knew everyone was trying to steal my lunch.

The Mommie grabbed my rabbit, took it into the house and placed it into a small cage with food and water. Can you believe this behavior? After all, her father was a hunter and had taught her to hunt and to eat what you killed. What has happened to her?

Never-the less, I proceeded to sit in front of the cage all afternoon giving that rabbit many dirty looks along with a low growl.

By late Thursday afternoon my friend Joy came to see my rabbit. During their conversation they each expressed their fear of me finding a way to get my rabbit.

Alas, everyone agreed it was okay for Joy to take my bunny rabbit to her house. I followed the cage and watched Joy blatantly steal my rabbit. Here are some pictures of Coco the rabbit. He is now a pet with the luxuries of the run of her Joys home and just look at his fancy play pen, house and toys she has given to him.

COCO, A MERE RABBIT, THINKS HE’S A DOG SOLDIER!

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